Customs: Please note that from July 1, you will always pay VAT on purchases in online stores outside the European Union

Rotterdam, June 1 – Anyone who buys something from a non-European Union (EU) web store starting July 1 always pays VAT. Also for purchases of less than 22 €. This is due to the new VAT rules in the European Union. A survey by customs * shows that the majority of Dutch people (52%) who have bought something in an online store outside the EU in the past six months are not familiar with the new EU VAT rules. That’s why customs launch a campaign to prevent online shoppers from being surprised by unexpectedly expensive purchases.

Currently, companies outside the European Union do not have to charge VAT on imports for packages up to 22 euros, but companies within the European Union do. This allows online stores outside the European Union to offer products that are cheaper than European web stores. This will change with the new rules. This contributes to fairer competition with European web stores.

According to Nanette Van Schellven, Director General of Customs, information about the new EU VAT rules is important: “With the online buying campaign, customs want to educate consumers about additional costs in an online store outside the European Union. For purchases of less than 22 euros. , VAT will be added starting July 1. It usually comes down to 21% of the purchase amount.At www.douane.nl/internetaankopen you will find more information about the new VAT rules and additional costs for orders in web stores outside the European Union. “
Top 3 trading countries
China has been a favorite for years when it comes to online stores outside the European Union. This is confirmed by the in-depth survey conducted by customs. Nine out of ten (90.6%) of respondents made a recent purchase here. UK e-stores are second (14%). Since January 1, 2021, the UK is no longer part of the European Union. US web stores (12.3%) are also still popular. The latter percentage is mainly between 16 and 17 years old (24.3%).

Extra costs
Are you buying something in a web store outside of the European Union? Then check the costs that have been included before paying. If VAT is not included, then you pay it. The postal company or parcel transporting the parcel in the Netherlands must declare this to customs. Often the postal or parcel company charges a fee for these administrative activities; Clearance costs. Customs clearance costs vary for each carrier as well as the VAT you pay to customs. For purchases starting at € 150, you usually pay import customs fees (up to 12% of the purchase amount).

Would you like to know more about the additional costs of purchases in online stores outside the European Union? Visit www.douane.nl/internetaankopen or ask your question to the virtual assistant.

About the survey
The survey was conducted by PanelWizard on behalf of Customs from April 2 to 12, 2021. The survey included 1116 respondents aged 16 who made at least one purchase in the past six months at a web store outside the European Union.